BizSugar.com › Legal › Small businesses will pay more under new Americans with Disabilities Act proposal

The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy has reported small businesses will pay more per square foot and per employee than larger businesses to alter facilities to meet changes proposed for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The office studied costs associated with removing physical barriers to the handicapped, including changes in entrances, restrooms and employee rooms as well as the reach for light switches, alarms and thermostats.

A typical small business, like a restaurant, would need to spend $82,450 for barrier removal under the proposed guidelines, according to the study. That includes, for instance, lowering countertops or widening public entrances for wheelchair access.